The signs of herpes appear about 2-10 days after sexual contact with an infected person.

These include:

itching/burning-feeling in the genital area

water blisters (vesicles) or open sores

discharge of fluid from the vagina.

Herpes sores heal after 3-4 days but often recur. Treatment relieves pain and discomfort but cannot prevent recurrence. A woman with herpes may infect her newborn at childbirth causing blindness or mental retardation.